Socrates

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Roma match not crucial for Juve - Allegri The 47-year-old coach understands Monday's clash is important but he does not think that the Bianconeri would be fatally wounded if they fail to beat the Giallorossi. Mar 1, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri played down the importance of Juventus' forthcoming meeting with Roma by opining that it will not play a crucial role in their Serie A defence. The Bianconeri currently lead the charge for the Scudetto and hold a nine-point advantage over their closest rivals, the Giallorossi, who they travel to face at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday. While admitting that Roma will pose a substantial threat in the top-of-the-table clash if they are at their best, Allegri suggested that it is not a must-win match for the Turin outfit. "On Monday we will see a good game between two technical sides. Roma have very few weaknesses. This game is very important but not crucial," Allegri said in a press conference. "Roma will need to give everything they've got to win. It has been three months since our last encounter with them and after this there are still 13 games and 39 points up for grabs, so there is still a long way to go and Napoli are getting closer. "From now on they are all head-to-head battles for position and it will be important not to leave anything behind on a psychological level too. "First and foremost we'll consider the Roma game, then we'll prepare for our other matches." Juve will be unable to call upon Andrea Pirlo for the match, who misses out with a calf strain, and the 47-year-old coach admitted that he does not know how his team will shape up with Paul Pogba Arturo Vidal also struggling for fitness. "We'll check on the fitness of Pogba and Vidal first. We have plenty of alternatives if need be," Allegri revealed. "There are Claudio Marchisio, Stefano Sturaro, Simone Padoin and Roberto Pereyra. "I could even play with two central midfielders, it depends on how this afternoon's training session pans out. An attacking midfielder behind the front two is a possibility, but I still haven't decided how we will line up. "All of the most important games come around this time and it's important to be in good physical shape. At this stage of the campaign, I can't afford to take risks and perhaps lose a player for over a month by risking them unnecessarily." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato ROMA V JUVENTUS MATCH PREVIEW Mar 1, 2015 Juventus While the season still has some way to go, the destination of the Serie A title could be decided if Juventus are able to overcome AS Roma in Monday night’s top of the table clash between first and second. Juventus have looked stagnant of late, struggling to beat Atalanta at home along with 2 less than encouraging draws against mid-table Udinese and relegation-fighting Cesena. On the plus side, the Bianconeri have raised their game against seemingly better opposition with a morale-boosting 3-0 rout of AC Milan in week 22 and a hard-fought win over Champions League opponents Borussia Dortmund. Roma are yet to win a Serie A match in 2015, their last victory being a 4-2 win over Inter Milan at the end of November 2014, but they’ll be more than ready for the visit of the current champions. Given the controversy that marred the 3-2 Juve victory at the Juve Stadium, Franceso Totti and his teammates have made it quite clear this game means everything. “On Monday we face Juve, a game we’ve been waiting for a long time,” wrote the Roma captain in the Corriere dello Sport. “Until a few days ago it seemed as if there was no hope for us in this match. Instead we’re convinced that we can challenge and give meaning to this title race, to re-open a matter that had seemed closed.” Juve will be boosted by Tuesday night’s win over Dortmund, but coach Max Allegri will have to shuffle his deck following a series of injuries to the midfield. Andrea Pirlo is set to miss at least 3 weeks due to calf-muscle damage, while Paul Pogba is recovering a thigh problem and will undergo late fitness tests ahead of the game. The problems don’t stop there as there are more concerns for Arturo Vidal who suffered a knock to the back during training yesterday. Allegri addressed the injury problems in his press conference but didn’t seem overly concerned: JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "We'll check on the fitness of @paulpogba and @kingarturo23 this afternoon. We have plenty of alternatives if need be." JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "An attacking midfielder behind the front two is a possibility, but I still haven't decided how we'll line up tomorrow." At the back, Gigi Buffon will start in goal with Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra as full-backs and Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci playing as the customary centre-back pairing. Alvaro Morata has really impressed in recent matches and will probably play in place of Fernando Llorente with Carlos Tevez alongside. Predicted Lineup 4-3-1-2: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata Injured Asamoah and Romulo (Recovering from surgery), Andrea Pirlo (ankle) Suspended None Form (W-W-D-W-D-W) Roma The title race isn’t dead yet, because Juventus failed to annihilate it in the games against Udinese and Cesena, but it is in a deep coma and this is Roma’s final chance to resuscitate it. Cutting the lead from nine points to six would be meaningful, while a loss or even a draw would signify game over. However, Roma don’t approach this big game in the ideal conditions. They haven’t won at home since November 30, which is baffling, and they dropped points against several inferior opponents. They have drawn six times in the last six matches (the lone win came against Cagliari) and for five times in a row at home (against Sassuolo, Milan, Lazio, Empoli and even Parma). They still have the second best defense in the League, but they have conceded at least a goal in ten of the last eleven matches, including the Coppa Italia and the Europa League ones. Their “pareggite,” as it is called in Italy when a team draws too much, is caused by a number of reasons. Their go-to-guy Gervinho and Seydou Keita, who had become such a strong quiet leader on the pitch, took part to AFCON and when they returned they were logically fatigued. They suffered many injuries to key players like Daniele De Rossi, Kevin Strootman, Maicon and Juan Manuel Iturbe. The January reinforcement campaign wasn’t very good: Seydou Doumbia isn’t in good shape because of AFCON and Victor Ibarbo immediately suffered an injury. Finally, the quality of the performances of some important elements of the squad, like Kostas Manolas, Maicon and especially Miralem Pjanic, has plummeted. Their confidence was shattered by Bayern Munich and they never quite fully recovered from that blow. Their stats are still pretty good: they have best average possession (61.7%), the best pass success (86.3%), the second most take-ons per game (11.3), they allow only ten shots per game (3rd in the League) and they shot 14 time (2nd). They have all the tools to turn things around, but they seem to lack that zing, that assertiveness and that serenity that they had before this recent tough stretch and they are just not in a good place mentally. When they face a weaker opponents, they no longer look intimidating. It’ll be interesting to see whether passing the round of 32 in Europa League will be enough to bring their confidence back. There are many lingering questions about the lineup. Are Alessandro Florenzi and Maicon healthy enough to play? The Italian international has more chances and he’d be fielded at right-back if he’s good to go, but Vassilis Torosidis is viable. Can Francesco Totti play twice in five days? He’ll probably have to, because he’s too important to be benched in such a big match and Seydou Doumbia hasn’t exactly made a case for being in the staring XI. Davide Astori or Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa? The former Newcastle defender has been more consistent. Juan Manuel Iturbe has returned from his knee and ankle injury, but it’d be surprising to see him start. Radja Nainggolan rested in Rotterdam, so he’s likely to replace Seydou Keita in the midfield. UPDATE: Garcia has ruled out Doumbia and Maicon in the pre-game presser, so the only doubts are who will play on the right in the defense and how the three-man midfield will be composed. In the first match of the season, Roma delivered a gutsy performance at the Juventus Stadium: they came back from a 1-0 disadvantage, but they lost 3-2 due to two penalties by Carlos Tevez and a late Leonardo Bonucci stunner. Injured players Balzaretti (groin), Castan (head), Strootman (knee), Ibarbo (calf), Maicon (knee), Doumbia (back). Probable lineup 4-3-3: De Sanctis; Torosidis, Manolas, Yanga-Mbiwa, Holebas; Nainggolan, De Rossi, Pjanic; Gervinho, Totti, Ljajic. Suspended None Form (D-D-D-W-D-D) Formation http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Juve consider Roma options Mar 1, 2015 Juventus have three different tactical options against Roma, depending on Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal injuries. Max Allegri confirmed Pogba and Vidal will be evaluated in today’s training session, as the Frenchman is suffering from an inflammation in the thigh muscle and the Chilean has a bruised back. The Coach said he would only decide on his tactical system based on the players available and did not want to risk losing them, especially as Andrea Pirlo is already sidelined for three weeks. Juventus could keep their current 4-3-1-2 system with both players able to start and Roberto Pereyra moving into the trequartista role. They could return to the 3-5-2 shape with either one or neither of the two injury doubts featuring. Stefano Sturaro is ready to step in after his January arrival from Genoa, while Claudio Marchisio is a versatile figure who can play in any midfield role. Juventus (probable 1): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata Juventus (probable 2): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pereyra, Evra; Llorente, Tevez Juventus (probable 3): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pereyra, Evra; Llorente, Tevez http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Allegri: 'A positive Roma-Juve' Mar 1, 2015 Max Allegri hopes “Italian football will emerge positively” from tomorrow’s Roma-Juventus Scudetto battle. The first order of the day was a question on the fitness levels of Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal, seeing as Andrea Pirlo is already ruled out. “They are doing fairly well and I’ll evaluate them in today’s training session,” said Allegri in his Press conference. Pogba has an inflammation in his thigh muscle, while Vidal has a bruise to the back. “If they are in good shape, then they will play, otherwise we have those who can replace them. There are Claudio Marchisio, Stefano Sturaro, Simone Padoin and Roberto Pereyra. “We could even decide to play with only two midfielders. This is only one game and I don’t want to risk losing someone for a month. We’ve already lost Pirlo, it would be stupid to risk another. “My tactical decisions will also be based on who is at my disposal. Until I know that, I can’t pick an approach.” Juventus have a nine-point lead at the top of the Serie A table, but Roma are fired up after their Europa League victory at Feyenoord on Thursday. “It was great to see all five Italians reach the next round and this is a great result for Italian football. Roma have few weak points, a lot of quality and in a one-off game all previous results are wiped out. “It has been three months since our last encounter with Roma and after this there will be another 13 games and 39 points available. “I expect a great game with excellent technique, much like the one we saw in Turin. The entertainment value ended up in the background at the end, but it was a wonderful match.” The main headlines around the 3-2 Juventus victory were around refereeing decisions, though Allegri won’t call them ‘errors.’ “There were incidents that were borderline, but even those who watched the replays over and over still can’t agree with each other. Technology should be introduced for the goal-line. “Tomorrow Italian football has to emerge positively, both on and off the pitch. These are the two strongest sides in the League. “From now on they are all head-to-head battles for position and it will be important not to leave anything behind on a psychological level too. “We have a nine-point advantage, but there are many games to go.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Francesco Totti vs. Andrea Pirlo: Breaking Down the Roma-Juventus Legends Battle Mar 1, 2015 Francesco Totti is confident that Roma can close the gap on Serie A leaders Juventus and salvage their wavering title challenge. The Giallorossi, who last won the Scudetto in 2001, have been victorious in just one of their last seven league matches which has seen them fall nine points adrift of the table-topping Bianconeri. On Monday, at 20:45CET, Roma and Juve will go head-to-head at the Stadio Olimpico and the veteran striker is adamant that his team can rediscover their finest form and put the pressure back on Massimiliano Allegri's league leaders. "We are convinced that we can get back on track in the league, reopening the title race which people are already claiming is over," Totti wrote told Corriere dello Sport. "We are preparing well for this match, as we did for the one against Feyenoord. We have not had a great victory at the Olimpico in a long time, so it would be nice to see the fans in celebration, rejoicing with us. "With the recovery of our best form and the return of Juan Manuel Iturbe, and the contribution that Seydou Doumbia and Victor Ibarbo will soon provide, we can go back to being the team that the entertained the fans. "These last few weeks have not been easy, we are so sorry to have disappointed the supporters, but I’m confident and I think the worst is over. We have a good, united group. There is still time left this season and many matches to play. Roma's ready to do our part." The 38-year-old also shared his ambitions for the Giallorossi in the Europa League and expressed his pleasure at seeing four other Serie A teams reach the last 16 too. "We had prepared every detail before playing Feyenoord, because we knew how important it was for us, and our fans, to go through. We did not want to go out of Europe, because in this competition we can go all the way," Totti added. "In the knockout stages of the Europa League we will meet Fiorentina in an all-Italian derby. I am happy that five Italian teams have made it to the knockout stages. It’s a good sign for our football and is important in the Uefa coefficients." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Totti: Roma are ready for late title assault The Giallorossi captain believes that the club can regain the lost ground on defending champions Juventus and blow the title race open once more. Mar 1, 2015 Francesco Totti is confident that Roma can close the gap on Serie A leaders Juventus and salvage their wavering title challenge. The Giallorossi, who last won the Scudetto in 2001, have been victorious in just one of their last seven league matches which has seen them fall nine points adrift of the table-topping Bianconeri. On Monday, at 20:45CET, Roma and Juve will go head-to-head at the Stadio Olimpico and the veteran striker is adamant that his team can rediscover their finest form and put the pressure back on Massimiliano Allegri's league leaders. "We are convinced that we can get back on track in the league, reopening the title race which people are already claiming is over," Totti wrote told Corriere dello Sport. "We are preparing well for this match, as we did for the one against Feyenoord. We have not had a great victory at the Olimpico in a long time, so it would be nice to see the fans in celebration, rejoicing with us. "With the recovery of our best form and the return of Juan Manuel Iturbe, and the contribution that Seydou Doumbia and Victor Ibarbo will soon provide, we can go back to being the team that the entertained the fans. "These last few weeks have not been easy, we are so sorry to have disappointed the supporters, but I’m confident and I think the worst is over. We have a good, united group. There is still time left this season and many matches to play. Roma's ready to do our part." The 38-year-old also shared his ambitions for the Giallorossi in the Europa League and expressed his pleasure at seeing four other Serie A teams reach the last 16 too. "We had prepared every detail before playing Feyenoord, because we knew how important it was for us, and our fans, to go through. We did not want to go out of Europe, because in this competition we can go all the way," Totti added. "In the knockout stages of the Europa League we will meet Fiorentina in an all-Italian derby. I am happy that five Italian teams have made it to the knockout stages. It’s a good sign for our football and is important in the Uefa coefficients." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Roma’s Hare To Juventus’ Tortoise: The Story Of Two Coaches Ahead of their Serie A clash on Monday, the spotlight will also be on the two coaches and their diametrically opposed trajectories throughout the season. Mar 1, 2015 At the start of the season, Massimilano Allegri and Rudi Garcia had seemed on the opposite sides of the spectrum. The former was brought in to replace Antonio Conte who had guided Juventus to three successive Serie A titles, and despite having been sacked as AC Milan boss only six months prior. On the other hand, Rudi Garcia was in seventh heaven. The former Lille boss guided the Giallorossi to second place in Serie A in the 2013-14 season, thus securing Champions League qualification once again after two consecutive seasons without out of Europe. Fast forward seven months and both coaches remain on opposites sides of the spectrum, but they’ve switched places. Garcia has failed to live up to expectations thus far, knocked out of the UEFA Champions League and the Coppa Italia, as well as adrift nine points off of leaders Juventus. Conversely, Allegri looks on course for a second career Scudetto while remaining in the Coppa Italia and the Champions League. The truth lies in the critical difference between the two coaches: that is to say difference between a coach allergic to change and a dynamic coach who adapts to the given situation. Allegri is definitely the latter. At the start of the season the Juventus coach kept with the 3-5-2 formation in place, which was the same formation the side had found so much success with when under Conte. However, he gradually started changing it to his preferred 4-3-1-2 setup. The intriguing thing isn’t that Allegri changed the formation, many coaches have done similarly in order to stamp their authority, but he began the transition process when there was a relative slump in results, with elimination from the Champions League at stake following two successive defeats against Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos. Not only that, but Allegri has been able to tweak the line-up for the good of the side as well. Who would’ve thought that following his 18 goals last season, Fernando Llorente would sit as a substitute to the less experienced Alvaro Morata? The 2010 World Cup winner has been a shadow of his former self this season, and Allegri was not afraid to install Morata in the line-up. The issue here is that Juventus possess depth whether it is squad or formation-wise. Allegri instilled a new game plan but can still revert to the old one whenever he wishes to. He has been playing Morata up front alongside Tevez, but at the same time if the former is injured, Llorente can step up to take his place. On the other hand though Garcia’s season has been abysmal. Clubs have broken Roma down on many occasions whether it has been in Serie A, the Champions League, or even Feyenoord in the Europa League. Despite that, the Giallorossi boss has stubbornly stuck with the 4-3-3. The 7–1 defeat to Bayern at the Stadio Olimpico was the perfect example of Garcia’s static thinking. When Roma found themselves 3-0 down in the opening minutes, a change in the game plan would have helped a lot, but that didn’t happen because Garcia has rarely attempted another formation. This has therefore increased the predictability of Roma’s play, as they only know how to play on way. However, the Frenchman is yet to think about changing the way the side lines up, something Allegri carried out earlier this season. In short, make fun of him all you want, but Allegri is doing what Garcia hasn’t been able to comprehend. The hare may have had the better start, but in the end the tortoise always wins. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Zidane Urges Real Madrid To Sign Pogba Mar 1, 2015 Real Madrid legend and current youth team coach Zinedine Zidane is determined for the club to secure the signing of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. Los Blancos have been persistently linked with making a move for the Frenchman in recent seasons, and this will only add further fuel to those reports. According to AS, Zidane is urging the club to bring Pogba to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, in order to fight off competition from rivals Barcelona, as well as competition in England and France. Pogba has been linked with a move away from Serie A for a while now, despite the player insisting he is happy at the Bianconeri. Being a client of agent Mino Raiola, it is hard to rule out the possibility of a big money move for the 21-year-old. Pogba has featured 20 times in Serie A for Juve this season, scoring six goals and assisting a further two.

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Lichtsteiner: Juventus Have Respect For Roma Feb 28, 2015 Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has said that the Bianconeri have great respect for Serie A rivals Roma. The Giallorossi host Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday night in Serie A and the 31-year-old Swiss right-back has admitted that it is still important for Juventus to study their opponents every week. “It is a difficult challenge,” Lichtsteiner told Rai Sport. “We are preparing for it like all the others, looking to understand which the weak points of our opponents are. I can say that we have great respect for Roma.” Lichtsteiner was also if the title race in Serie A has become one-sided but he emphasised that this is not the case/ “I do not see it that way. Nine points behind are many but there are strong teams like Roma, Napoli [and] Fiorentina and we know that a mistake is enough to put everything at stake,” he concluded. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato De Rossi: 'Roma were asleep' Feb 28, 2015 Daniele De Rossi admits Roma “fell asleep for a month,” but are wide awake and ready to beat Juventus. “We fell asleep for a month, but now we can beat Juventus and re-open the Scudetto race,” De Rossi told Sky Sport Italia. The Giallorossi put together a run of six draws from seven rounds, falling nine points behind the leaders. They are hoping to ride the wave of enthusiasm from a morale-boosting 2-1 Europa League victory away to Feyenoord. “It’s great to see Rudi Garcia so motivated. He’s really hungry to win at Roma and with Roma.” The Coach has occasionally relegated their ‘Future Captain’ to the bench, but DDR accepts it. “With so much talent in the squad it can happen to be benched. If a team wants to be successful, you need to improve the overall level and that means competition for places.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Pallotta: 'Roma on Juve's level' Feb 28, 2015 Roma President James Pallotta does not seek ‘revenge’ against Juventus and insists the Scudetto race is still open. The top two face off at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday at 20.45 CET. “I don’t see this as an opportunity for revenge,” the patron told Roma Radio after a controversial 3-2 defeat in Turin. “There were mistakes that can happen. I was at the game in Turin and we could easily have won.” Juve are nine points clear of Roma in the standings, whereas Napoli are within three points of the Lupi. “We are on the same level as Juventus and I’m not looking to just defend second place. I think that if we play the way we know how it’ll be a very open match. We have to follow on from the victory over Feyenoord. “What’s frustrating is the number of injuries we’ve sustained, especially very serious ones like Kevin Strootman and Leandro Castan. If Juventus had been without players like Andrea Pirlo or Paul Pogba for most of the season, they’d be in the same situation as Roma. “I am happy with our result in Rotterdam and can see the team fired up for Monday. When the results weren’t coming, we were still giving our all, but it was great to lift our heads in that atmosphere. “Our project is long-term over 10-20 years, so we want to fight for the Scudetto and Champions League.” That also includes the construction of a new club-owned stadium, which Pallotta assured is “progressing quickly. It could become the number one stadium in Europe.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Chiellini: I supported Milan but I want to end career at Juventus The Italy international wants to finish his playing career with the Bianconeri, despite confirming he was a fan of AC Milan when he was younger. Feb 28, 2015 Giorgio Chiellini has revealed that he wants to finish his career at Juventus, even though he supported AC Milan as a child. The 30-year-old has been a mainstay in the Bianconeri defence since joining the club in 2005 and recently signed a new deal that will keep him in Turin until the end of the 2017-18 Serie A season. Despite confirming that he was a fan of the Rossoneri during his youth, the centre-back stated that he could not see himself hanging up his boots while at any club but Juve. "I was a Milan fan when I was a child, but you improve as you grow older. I hope to end my career at Juventus, especially as I’m starting to get a bit old," Chiellini told Rai. The Italy international also commented on the club's tradition of closely monitoring their players both on and off the field, but suggested that the surveillance does not mean the players are dull. "Our style remains the same, it’s just times have changed. You can’t ask Vidal or Pogba to cut their mohicans off, but what really matters is the attitude and in a club like ours that is monitored. However, at Juventus we are not as square as people think." Juve currently sit nine points clear of Roma and travel to Rome to face their rivals on Monday evening.

Barca-Real fight for Pogba Feb 28, 2015 Marca, AS and Tuttosport claim Real Madrid and Barcelona are in a bidding war for Juventus star Paul Pogba. Papers in Spain and Italy repeat the same reports, that the two Liga clubs are the front-runners to prise Pogba away from Turin. Manchester United, PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City have also shown a marked interest in the 21-year-old French midfielder. The rumours suggest Real Madrid collaborator Zinedine Zidane is working behind the scenes to convince Pogba he can become the latest Galactico. AS claim Zizou is in fact pushing hard with the current Real Madrid hierarchy to go all in for Pogboom. Meanwhile, Barça are also sending positive messages to the ex-Manchester United youth product, who is valued at around €100m. His price-tag does not only reflect his worth on the pitch, but also his immense sponsorship potential. Tuttosport also suggest that agent Mino Raiola picked up a commission worth €4.5m to secure Pogba’s contract renewal until 2019. On Friday Juventus director Beppe Marotta said “we are not looking for buyers.”

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato MATCH PREVIEW Feb 28, 2015 Roma head into Monday’s Scudetto six-pointer against Juventus wondering if the tension will lift their title ambitions, or kill them off for good. The Giallorossi began 2015 by taking ill and so have their supporters, sick of the accumulating slide. Their last limp outing at the Stadio Olimpico saw Rudi Garcia’s men match a 1981 record of five consecutive home draws, with confrontations between fans and the team ensuing since. It had come to a point that the Coach needed President James Pallotta's public backing, the former’s first season a distant memory. But the perceived injustice Roma suffered at the referee’s hands in the reverse trip to Juve earlier this term is still fresh in the mind. At a key juncture in their campaign, the enemy will return to being an external one, which suits the squad just fine. Precious momentum arrived in the form of a European win at Feyenoord too, and Francesco Totti stated before hand that with a win, they’d ‘win on Monday too’. Unlike last season, the direct match at the Olimpico will not be dead rubber. And although the Old Lady have won five of their last six Serie A clashes against their hosts, failing to score only once in each of the last 19 fixtures together, they make this trip without Andrea Pirlo. The maestro blazed the champions nine clear at the top against Atalanta last week but is now injured till the middle of March. Even that, in addition Paul Pogba’s possible absence, will not see Massimiliano Allegri’s troops surrender their 15-game unbeaten run in the League lightly though. The Bianconeri travel to Rome in hopes of ending their rivals’ title challenge. On the other hand, Roma, seeking revenge, are aiming to restart it. Keep an eye on: Alvaro Morata (Juventus) - Cruelly denied a goal by the woodwork and then sent off against Roma last October, Alvaro Morata will be eager to give a better account of himself in a clash the former Real Madrid man has compared to El Clasico. Fresh from a standout performance in Juventus’ victory over Borussia Dortmund, the talented striker is increasingly coming into his own. Form guide: Roma (D D W D D) Juventus (W D W D W) Last season: Roma 0-1 Juventus Stat fact: Roma have never drawn six Serie A home games in a row. Roma (probable): De Sanctis; Torosidis, Manolas, Astori, Holebas; Pjanic, Keita, Nainggolan; Gervinho, Totti, Ljajic Suspended: None Juventus (probable): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Sturaro, Marchisio, Vidal; Pereyra; Morata, Tevez Suspended: None http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Doumbia doubt for Roma-Juve Feb 28, 2015 Seydou Doumbia is reportedly going to miss Roma’s big game with Juventus due to injury. It kicks off on Monday at 20.45 CET. Ivory Coast international Doumbia is still looking for his first goal in a Giallorossi jersey since joining in January. According to some reports, he is suffering from lumbago and therefore unlikely to feature in Monday’s Scudetto showdown. Meanwhile, Radja Nainggolan is expected to start, as he was rested in the 2-1 Europa League victory over Feyenoord on Thursday. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Marotta: Pogba Not For Sale Feb 28, 2015 Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has stated that midfielder Paul Pogba is not for sale. The French international has been linked with Europe’s premier clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester United of late, but Marotta insists that the Bianconeri are not willing to sell him. “In football, you should always set the bar high,” he told giornalaccio rosa TV. “We’ve won three straight Serie A titles, and we definitely aren’t willing to stop there. “We’re always looking to strengthen the squad, and Pogba is one of our best players. “Of course, we must balance it out between the football needs and economic needs but we haven’t received an offer for Pogba, nor are we looking for potential buyers. “We aren’t thinking of selling him at any costs, we aren’t in search for offers. “His value? It depends on the buyers, but I think it can reach a large amount.” The former Sampdoria sporting director then stated that only Empoli defender [Daniele] Rugani will surely move to the Bianconeri in the summer, as well as speaking about Gianluigi Buffon’s replacement. “There are many players we’re interested in but the only player who we are sure is going to wear the Juve shirt is Rugani,” he said. “Cavani? He’s a great player, and PSG bought him for a very high price; of course, we’d like him but the market is complicated. “As for Verratti, we failed to sign him when he was at Pescara so we opted for Pogba instead, however all of this talk about possible transfers is akin to fantasy football. “We were very close to signing Radamel Falcao in the summer, but now things have changed. “The only person who can replace Buffon at this point is Leali [on loan to Cesena], but replacing Buffon is difficult, because keepers like him come every 50 years. “He’ll keep on playing until he wants to.” Marotta then went on to speak about the club’s relationship with Carlos Tevez, who has been linked with a move away from the Bianconeri as soon as his contract expires in June 2016. “The relationship with Tevez is excellent, he’s fully absorbed the Juventus mentality,” he said. The Bianconeri are currently top of the Serie A table with a nine point lead over second place Roma, and are still in both the Coppa Italia and UEFA Champions League, and the 57-year-old spoke about the criticism the board received for appointing Massimilano Allegri in place of Antonio Conte in the summer. “Allegri in place of Conte? I still remember the criticism we received when we hired Allegri, executives sometimes must make unpopular choices,” he added. Marotta voiced his opinion about the recorded phonecalls between Ischia Isolaverde sporting director Pino Iodice and Lazio president and FIGC chief adviser Claudio Lotito, where the latter said that sides like Carpi and Frosinone would ruin the quality of Serie A due to their limited fanbases. “It’s resounding that the FIGC decided to back him [Lotito] and not us, even after all he said,” he started. “We requested the intervention of the Italian Olympic Committee following the Iodice-Lotito phonecalls, these things ruin Italy’s footballing reputation.” Finally, the Juve sporting director voiced his opinion on Monday’s encounter against second place Roma, as well as speaking about the side’s chances of advancing to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after a 2-1 Round of 16 defeat of Borussia Dortmund in the first leg in Turin. “We’re going to Roma to win,” he said. “We’re aware of our strength, but we mustn’t think that the Scuetto race is over, even if we’re leading Serie A by a big margin. “I believe we can progress to the quarter finals of the Champions League, I’d say we have a 60% chance.”

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Pallotta: ‘Ready for Juventus’ Feb 27, 2015 President James Pallotta says Roma are ‘ready’ for Juventus and predicts a ‘fun, great game’ against Fiorentina. The Giallorossi will be facing a tough opening to March as the decisive Serie A clash against the Bianconeri on Monday will be followed, 11 days later, by the Europa League Last 16 tie against La Viola. Pallotta, questioned by the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport and retesport after a meeting with Rome mayor Ignazio Marino over the future property stadium, seemed unconcerned by the Lupi's recent dearth of results. “I think the team is ready for Juventus,” he said. “I'm very happy with the game the players showed us yesterday, which they played in a hostile environment. “The team and the staff showed that they were ready. I think that Gervinho's behaviour in particular was phenomenal. “Walking back into the pitch after some of the things that happened inside the stadium – things that I'd call racist – and then coming back and scoring, well, he couldn't have done it better,” said Pallotta, in reference to the inflatable banana thrown on to the pitch. “But I liked the attitude of his teammates even better than the goal. “I'd gladly take a yellow card a day if it means that my players receive the kind of support shown by [Miralem] Pjanic and the rest of the team after the banana was thrown. “I'm even prouder about the rest of the team. It proves that they're united as a group. “As for Roma-Fiorentina, I think it'll be fun. I'm expecting a great game.” Finally, Pallotta was also able to release some statements about the upcoming stadium. “We discussed and examined all the arguments. We are working within schedule and our relationship is cooperative. “I couldn't be happier than I am to be working with the people who were present at the meeting. “Over the last year we made solid progress. We'll have a great stadium. I see no obstacles. We're working really well. “And soon you can expect a great statement about Roma Cares,” he said, in reference to the initiative that will link the Giallorossi club to a network of charities. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Preview: Roma vs. Juventus Feb 27, 2015 Nine points may separate Serie A's top two of Juventus and Roma, but a result either way on Monday could prove to be a vital moment of the season. Juventus currently lead the way having suffered just one loss in the entire season so far, but Roma have had an impressive campaign of their own as they have not tasted defeat since November. Rudi Garcia's side have failed to earn wins, having recorded eight draws in their last 11 fixtures in the top flight. Clean sheets have also been hard to come by as they have kept just one, which was a goalless draw against troubled Parma, in seven games. Juventus have had a couple of draws of their own, but they are on a winning run in all competitions with two victories to their name, the latest of which came in a 2-1 result over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Tuesday evening. Carlos Tevez is the club's highest goalscorer with 20 goals so far this season, and he appears to be back to full flow after scoring against their Bundesliga opponents in Europe earlier this week. For Roma, their 2-1 triumph over Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday was marred by several suspensions due to objects being thrown onto the pitch, but Garcia will be hopeful that the disruptions will not hamper his team for Monday's game. The last time these two sides met in October, three penalties, two red cards and a late goal dominated Juve's 3-2 victory, and the Old Lady edge the history books having won 77 of their last 161 meetings with Roma. Juan Iturbe is likely to be in the squad after coming off the bench against Feyenoord following his recovery from ligament damage, but Maicon and Victor Ibarbo remain out of contention. Massimiliano Allegri will be without Andrea Pirlo due to a calf injury that the Italian suffered against Dortmund, while Paul Pogba could also miss out with a thigh problem. Stefano Sturaro could be installed in the starting XI as a result of Pogba's absence. Roma Form in Serie A: D D D W D D Form in all competitions: L W D D D W Possible starting lineup: De Sanctis; Torosidis, Manolas, Astori, Holebas; Pjanic, Keita, Nainggolan; Gervinho, Totti, Ljajic Juventus Form in Serie A: W W D W D W Form in all competitions: W D W D W W Possible starting lineup: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Sturaro, Marchisio, Vidal; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata Sports Mole says: 1-1 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Sturaro To Make Juventus Debut Against Roma Feb 27, 2015 Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro could reportedly make his debut for the Old Lady in their upcoming Serie A clash with Roma on Monday. The 21-year-old, who arrived at the Bianconeri from Genoa in July 2014, was recalled early from his season-long loan at the Grifone on February 2 and it seems like he may already have an opportunity to prove himself in Massimiliano Allegri’s line up due to a number of injuries in the squad’s midfield. According to TuttoSport, Juventus are expected to face Roma without the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba, Romulo and Kwadwo Asamoah, which may leave Allegri open to giving Sturaro a chance to prove himself at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The midfielder had provided one assist in his 13 Serie A appearances for Genoa before making his return to Juve and could prove to be crucial for the Turin giants as they look to extend their lead over the Giallorossi to 12 points in the league standings. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Pereyra: 'Roma gap means nothing' Feb 27, 2015 Midfielder Roberto Pereyra says Juve's nine-point lead over Roma 'means nothing' once the teams are on the pitch. The match between the Bianconeri and the Giallorossi is scheduled for Monday March 2, at 20:45 local time, and represents the best opportunity for Rudi Garcia's team to reopen the Scudetto race. The Old Lady lead the race by nine points in the standings, but the Argentinian doesn't see that as a reason to feel assured. “We have to stay concentrated,” he said in an interview with Sky Sport. “Having a nine-point lead means nothing. We can't relax, we have to press forward. “We're off to play a difficult game, in their own environment. “We know what kind of game they play. And they're playing very well right now, so the game will be intense. “We have to be very careful, very focused. We can't afford mistakes. “I admit I haven't seen Roma's game [against Feyenoord]. But we know what kind of match we'll be up against.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Pogba fit for Roma? Feb 27, 2015 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba will be fit to face Roma in Monday’s Scudetto showdown, according to reports. It was revealed yesterday that the youngster was struggling with a thigh injury, and could miss the crucial top-of-the-table clash. However, according to Mediaset, an MRI scan at Vinovo this morning showed no damage to the muscle. The news outlet reports that while Pogba will be carefully monitored over the coming days, the former Manchester United man should be fit to face Roma. A win for the Bianconeri would see them extend their lead over Rudi Garcia’s men to a potentially unassailable 12 points. In addition, the crisis at Parma may see Juve given an extra three points, as the Old Lady will awarded a 3-0 walkover if the Ducali cannot complete their fixtures. That would be a bitter blow for the Giallorossi, who have already played the Emilian side twice, dropping two points in their last meeting. In the event of Parma being expelled from the League, Juventus would also have a free weekend. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Andrea Pirlo's Injury Could Be a Net Benefit for Juventus Feb 27, 2015 Andrea Pirlo is as legendary a player as they come in Italian soccer. He is a two-time Champions League winner, five-time Italian champion, a hero of the 2006 World Cup victory, has the fourth most caps in the history of the national team and is the only player who isn't a defender or goalkeeper to be honored as a centurion. While he made his name at AC Milan, his name will go down just as permanently in Juventus' lore. His arrival in tandem with manager Antonio Conte ended the club's post-Calciopoli doldrums and catapulted the team back to the top of Serie A. It would be reasonable, then, for Juve fans to be severely concerned about his impending absence. The team's official website (h/t Football Italia) confirmed that he will miss three weeks after suffering a calf injury in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. Given the fixtures facing the team in the next three weeks—a potential title decider in Rome, a grudge match against rivals Fiorentina and the return leg in Dortmund—Pirlo's vision and passing prowess will likely be missed. There is, however, a silver lining in this unfortunate circumstance. Indeed, L'architetto's absence may even help the Bianconeri. The book on Pirlo is that sustained pressure will deny the ability to work his magic. In 2010, Alex Ferguson sticked Park Ji-Sung on Pirlo as a man-marker. Without the time and space to unleash his passes, Pirlo was neutralized, and in turn so was Milan's attack. This strategy is Dortmund's default against any opponent. They press hard in midfield to force the team to force the mids into rushed passes and mistakes. It's Pirlo's worst nightmare, and he was forced into several uncharacteristic errors before he was withdrawn. To his credit, he responded by pressing right back and regained possession on a few occasions. Pereyra's introduction forced some juggling in the midfield. Claudio Marchisio moved from the flank of the diamond formed by the 4-3-1-2 formation to the regista position normally occupied by Pirlo. Arturo Vidal, originally deployed as trequartista, moved farther back and his place was taken by Pereyra. These changes had a profound effect on the team. Their play became far more direct. Pereyra used his pace and dribbling ability well behind the strikers and was more effective at linking with Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez. He very nearly sealed the tie late on when a shot across the face of goal ghosted past the post. In moving farther back, Vidal was made more effective. He has always been a poor fit for the trequartista role, and it showed in his performance against Dortmund. He gave the ball away on several occasions and committed more than a few fouls. When dropped back into the midfield, his game improved. Allowed to play his natural position, he was less restricted and could use his defensive skill and endurance to greater effect. Juve benefits with Pereyra, the much more suited player, playing in the hole behind the strikers and Vidal playing his regular role as a box-to-box midfielder. Marchisio is a world-class player in his own right and has quietly become a great alternative to the regista position. He doesn't share Pirlo's ability to drop a 60-yard pass on a dime in a snow storm, but he can make the passes he needs to and plays the position with greater pace than the older man—a key to breaking Dortmund's press. The other potential benefit of Pirlo's injury comes from the move down the depth chart. With Pereyra in the starting lineup, a place opens up for youngster Stefano Sturaro as the first midfielder off the bench. Sturaro was purchased from Genoa in the summer and immediately loaned back to the Griffone. Faced with potential depth problems in midfield the Bianconeri recalled him early this January. The only other player on the squad who can play in the midfield is Simone Padoin—but Sturaro is already the better option. The 21-year-old is a midfield bruiser in the mold of Gennaro Gattuso, and is a future fixture in the team's midfield. To get a potential baptism of fire in big fixtures as a reserve could be a major spur in his development. Pirlo's absence is always difficult to bear. But now his injury could force Massimiliano Allegri to make moves that, if Pirlo were healthy, would be extraordinarily difficult but in the current situation are both obvious and beneficial. This is especially so against Dortmund, where Pereyra's presence and the realignment that comes with it might be the key to breaking Jurgen Klopp's press and preserve their advantage in the second leg. Pirlo is a key part of any team, but in this particular case, his absence may just force the squad to grow.

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Roma must beat Juventus - Garcia The Frenchman has seen his side fall to pieces in Serie A since the turn of the year, leaving them nine points adrift of the league leaders ahead of Monday's game. Feb 27, 2015 Rudi Garcia has admitted Roma simply have to beat Juventus on Monday or else their Serie A title hopes are over for another season. The Giallorossi have fallen nine points behind the reigning champions in the Scudetto race after developing an inability to convert draws into victories since the turn of the year. With European football in March secured - they completed a 3-2 aggregate win over Feyenoord in the last-32 of the Europa League on Thursday - Garcia now has his sights set on resolving their league woes on Monday. "We are satisfied with our performance in Rotterdam," the French coach told the club's official website. "But we need to find continuity. "We showed against Feyenoord that we haven't forgotten how to play. We need to remain on this path. "We'll soon see if this is the turning point for our season. I am satisfied with the performance, now we just need to find the right consistency. "We have two days fewer than Juve to prepare for Monday's game but I'm confident. There is a game against Juventus that we must win." Massimiliano Allegri's men head into the clash at Stadio Olimpico - where Roma have not lost in Serie A all season - on the back of beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in their Champions League last 16 first leg. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Juventus star Paul Pogba 'not interested in Manchester United return' Feb 27, 2015 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba reportedly has no intention of returning to Manchester United in the future, despite rumours that the Premier League giants are interested in the Frenchman. The 21-year-old left Old Trafford on a free transfer to Juve back in 2012 following an alleged fallout with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Since leaving the Red Devils, Pogba has gone on to become one of the most talented youngsters in Europe and has reportedly attracted interest from Real Madrid. According to the Daily Star, the midfielder is certain that he will never return to United as he feels that he has bigger options should he ever leave Juventus. Pogba has been valued at £75m by his agent Mino Raiola.

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Roma V Juventus – Preview: Serie A’s Top Two Clash With Giallorossi In Last Chance Scudetto Saloon Feb 27, 2015 The destination of the Scudetto could become clearer on Monday evening as Roma and Juventus clash in Serie A’s top of the table clash at the Stadio Olimpico. The defending champions have won 77 of their 161 previous matches against last season’s runners-up in Serie A and secured a 3-2 victory when the two sides met in a fiery encounter at the Juventus Stadium in October. Three penalties, two red cards and a late disputed winning goal by Leonardo Bonucci ended up being discussed in parliamentary question time, while the performance of match official Gianluca Rocchi was described as a ‘horror show.’ Of the polemics that raged in the aftermath, one of the most notable was Roma coach Rudi Garcia claiming his side were stronger than Juventus and that they would go on to win the Scudetto this season. However, the Giallorossi have since suffered from a loss of form drawing six of their last seven Serie A matches and managing only nine goals in as many games in the league. With nine points now separating the two teams, Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has more recently suggested that his side should now be more concerned about consolidating second place. In addition to this concession, Juve can also take reassurance from knowing that their nine-point advantage is the joint-biggest that any Serie A team has held after 24 rounds in the era of three points for a win. Monday’s edition of La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport notes that it has happened five times before, and on all five occasions the team that achieved such an advantage went on to win the title. The Bianconeri are unbeaten in all competitions in 2015 after 11 matches, but have drawn in their last two away league matches at Udinese and Cesena. Andrea Pirlo is set to miss the next three weeks after suffering a calf injury during the Champions League Round of 16 first leg win against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. Paul Pogba is also a doubt due to a thigh problem, which means that Stefano Sturaro could make his Juventus debut after being recalled from his loan at Genoa. Juan Iturbe was a second-half substitute in Roma’s 2-1 Europa League win at Feyenoord on Thursday after recovering from ligament damage in his knee and ankle. Maicon and Victor Ibarbo are still unavailable though injury, while Kevin Strootman, Leandro Castan and Federico Balzaretti are long-term absentees. Form Guide: Roma (D-D-D-W-D-D) Juventus (W-W-D-W-D-W) Expected Starting XIs Roma: De Sanctis; Torosidis, Manolas, Astori, Holebas; Pjanic, Keita, Nainggolan; Gervinho, Totti, Ljajic. Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Sturaro, Marchisio, Vidal; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111